SB236 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Governor and state agencies authorized to furlough state employees during times of economic distress, Sec. 36-26-26.1 added

Summary

This bill would authorize mandatory furloughs of Alabama state employees during budget shortfalls, allowing the Governor or state agencies to require unpaid days off to save money.

What This Bill Does

It lets state departments or the Governor implement furlough plans either across the whole agency or by job classifications. Plans must be approved by the State Personnel Department and include why the furlough is needed, how long it will last, when it starts, and a statement that the furlough isn’t disciplinary. A furlough is defined as an unpaid regular work day (and may include unpaid holidays). Employees in a furlough remain in full pay status for benefits as long as they aren’t furloughed more than one day per semi-monthly pay period.

Who It Affects

• State employees who could be required to take unpaid furlough days (with impact on income, but with maintained benefit status within the stated limit)
• State departments or other appointing authorities that would create and implement furlough plans
• The Governor, State Personnel Department, the State Finance Director, and other state fiscal officers who oversee, approve, and implement furlough decisions

Key Provisions

• Authorizes mandatory furloughs by both the Governor and state agencies during times of economic distress or budget shortfalls
• Furlough plans may be agency-wide or by classification/classification series and require approval by the State Personnel Department, including justification, duration, start date, and non-discreditable intent
• Defines furlough as any unpaid regularly scheduled work day; Governor may also furlough for unpaid regular work days or unpaid legal public holidays, with holiday work payment rules noted
• Employees on furlough remain in full pay status for benefits (leaves, seniority) provided they are not furloughed more than one regularly scheduled work day per semi-monthly pay period
• Must respect Fair Labor Standards Act rights; becomes effective immediately upon passage; provisions are supplemental and do not repeal conflicting laws

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State Agencies